Lamar Davenport was arrested on a murder charge on Monday, a day after 33-year-old Edena Hines was found lying on the street in front of her Upper Manhattan apartment building with multiple stab wounds to the chest.

It was not immediately clear whether Davenport had a lawyer who could comment on the charge.

Police say Davenport was in a relationship with Ms Hines.

Freeman issued a statement saying that "the world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer".

Ms Hines had studied acting and was involved with teaching urban youth. She's the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife.